Imagineâ&#x20AC;Ś
living in a luxurious five-star apartment
at Gelderlandplein with panoramic views
of Amsterdam, a Personal Assistant and various in-house facilities including a fitness
and wellness centre.
If you would like to receive further information
or take a tour, you are welcome to contact:

is still in full development. And, of course, all this
spells great investment potential.

Hello Zuidas is scheduled

Happy reading!

for the 1st of July

Mapmakers have a curious tendency to put their own region or country at the centre of the world.
Even in Zuidas, we’re only human. Unfold the cover of the Zuidas Sustainability Report, and you’ll
see what we mean. In his speech at the presentation of the new report, Wabe van Enk (PropertyNL)
took care to point this out to the large crowd of listeners, citing the US President’s speech during his
visit to the Netherlands. Obama lauded the quintessentially Dutch notion of “gezelligheid” – a soft
value that also defines Zuidas, alongside sustainability and temporary initiatives. In striving for these
values, Zuidas has set itself apart from other international business districts, Van Enk said.
Olivier Otten, Managing Director of Hello Zuidas

3.

Welcome to Cava Amsterdam
Cava Amsterdam has recently opened a shop in the UNStudio
Tower in Zuidas, with the aim of introducing fans of fizz in
the Netherlands to the wonderful world of Cava. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to
expand appreciation for this fabulous sparkling wine and enable
people to discover all the different brands and varieties.
Cava is synonymous with celebration, success and enjoyment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and
a passion for Spain. Looking for a special present or tasteful business
gift, or to place an order of Cava for you company party?
Visit us at Cava Amsterdam!

With an excellent business climate, world-renowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors
from many countries, the Zuidas has huge potential. The foundation Hello Zuidas contributes to the Zuidas by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions.

5.

Language no problem
—
operaballet.nl

The world’s best soloists
RIGHT IN THE HEART OF AMSTERDAM

Opera
—

FAUST

Opera
—

Ballet
—

Opera
—

May 10 – 27, 2014

June 3 – 8, 2014

LAIKA

THE TEMPEST
June 18 – 29, 2014

September 3 – 6, 2014

Ballet
—

Opera
—

Opera
—

Ballet
—

BALLERINA

May 14 – 20, 2014

FALSTAFF

June 7 – 30, 2014

GURRE-LIEDER

September 2 – 23, 2014

ORFEO

HET ZWANENMEER
September 14 – 28, 2014

News Flashes

ZUIDAS NEWS

PHOTOGRAPHY FROM A TOWER CRANE
Tower crane operator Erik Bouw (of Dura Vermeer) takes the most incredible shots from his cab,
65 metres up in the air. ‘Photography has long been a hobby of mine. We’re always out at these
great locations and I love taking photos of the work we do. But it's only recently that I started
posting them on the Internet and Twitter, which has brought a huge positive response. The best
time to shoot is in the morning, at sunrise. You get beautiful pictures of the horizon.' Erik is
currently working on Beethovenstraat, where the office complexes for AkzoNobel and Stibbe
are being constructed. See more of his photos on www.hoogpunt.nl and Twitter @Bouwkraan.
Photographs: Erik Bouw @ Bouwkraan

INTEROFFICE PECKING
March this year saw the arrival of 200 chickens, now happily pecking around the perimeter
of Zuidas. Part of an initiative by the Rondeel® egg brand and the Natuur & Milieu and Wij
Krijgen Kippen organizations, this sustainable poultry farm celebrated its official opening
with TV personality Jort Kelder. ‘This is the world’s very first mini-Rondeel farm’, says farmer
and manager Timon Brandsen. ‘It’s completely unique. Large-scale chicken farming in a
city, and on such expensive building property to boot, is unheard of.’ Businesses can use
the expo spaces for sustainable energy, food and food production, whilst visitors can walk
around the area and purchase top-quality fresh eggs from the egg dispenser.’
Photographs: miniRondeel ‘t Ei-land

STUDENTS DEVISE BIKE PARKING SOLUTION
Every day, thousands of cyclists make their way to Zuidas. As part of a project organized
by Academie van de Stad, students have been exploring ways to make sure the Zuidas
bike park continues to meet cyclists’ needs in years to come. Academie van de Stad’s
Myrthe Rijken explains, ‘160 AUAS/HvA students enrolled in the Management of
Creativity and Innovation minor were assigned to come up with a solution to the looming
bike parking shortage. On 27 March, nine groups presented their creative plans to our
jury. Bikepoint came out the winner. Basically, Bikepoint is a pillar where eight bikes can be
stalled vertically in a way that’s easy to use and saves space’. www.academievandestad.nl

WATERWORKS AT VUMC
At the new VUmc building on the corner of Amstelveenseweg and
De Boelelaan, work is underway on a manmade pond spanning
2,200 m2. According to municipal landscape architect Ton Muller,
‘The pond is part of the Zuidas district’s comprehensive water
system. As a reservoir for rain and groundwater, it will help to keep
our feet dry. It will also have a fountain, needed to preserve the
water quality. We’re still working on the design, but this artwork
together with the pond will provide a stunning entrance to Zuidas.’
To learn more about the Zuidas district, visit our website: www.zuidas.nl.
Want to stay up-to-date? Sign up to receive the Zuidas Newsletter, on www.zuidas.nl.

Dienst Zuidas

If you have any tips for the editorial team, email them to: hellozuidas@asega.nl

Community, Health and Charity:
the Zuidas Run is back!
With the annual Zuidas Run not far off, quite a few area locals are literally gearing up for the starting blocks. On 25 May, over
3,000 participants will be finishing at Gustav Mahlerplein. The event features 4 and 10-mile runs, as well a special Kids Run for
youngsters. As always, the Zuidas Run is supporting various charities. Participants in the 4 and 10-mile events will be running
in support of the VUmc Rehabilitation Medicine Department’s Amsterdam Virtual Reality Lab. Very young professionals
entered in the Kids Run will be supporting VUmc Kinderstad. Hello Zuidas met with WTC Amsterdam Director, hard-core
runner and Zuidas Run Gold Partner Christiaan Huijg and VUmc Kinderstad ‘stadhouder’ Marijke Peer to talk about the event.

The Zuidas Run is taking off in just a few weeks.

could enjoy some time with each other. Ajax, Spyker, KPN,

Are you both taking part, and how’s it going

Endemol, Radio 538 and Schiphol are all big sponsors of this

with training?

initiative and have each set up their own areas with all sorts of

Christiaan: ‘I’ve run every edition of the Zuidas Run and this

features. They also organize various activities for the children

year have even gotten most of my family to join in. I’m running

here. For us, that combination is fantastic’, says Marijke.

the 10-mile run and my wife and two daughters are doing the
4-mile event. As well as helping my youngest daughter train,

Have you ever visited VUmc Kinderstad, Christiaan?

I’ve been running two to three times a week, with a long-

What’s your impression as you look around?

distance run of around ten miles on Sundays.’

‘As it happens, I was here yesterday for a meeting with the

Marijke: ‘Ah, so you’ve already got the 10-mile down!’

Zuidas Run partners. I’d heard about it, but couldn’t really

‘Absolutely!’ Christiaan rejoins. ‘I take part in lots of races as

picture it in my mind. I’m really impressed; not only by the

I enjoy keeping physically active. I’m often home late and

facilities, but also by the volunteers helping out. It seems

lugging off to the gym after that isn’t really my thing. A quick

like a great place for the children to take a break with their

run from home whenever time permits works best for me.’

families, so they aren’t constantly thinking about their illness.

Marijke: ‘Until this morning, I’d actually only been planning to

It’s wonderful a place like this is available for them.’

sign up my daughter for the Kids Run – she’s two. But now
I feel spurred to do more... I’m going to do my very utmost to

WTC Amsterdam has been a Gold Partner in the

run in the 4-mile!’ ‘Fantastic!’ Christiaan responds, relieved.

Zuidas Run from the very start. What does that entail?

‘So’, says Marijke, ‘I’ll be sacrificing my weekly hour of

Christiaan: ‘I was appointed director of the WTC Amsterdam seven

spinning for running. I’m going for it!’

years ago and it was one of my ideas to set up a sporting event like
this. We finally decided on a running event for all our WTC tenants.

Marijke, could you explain what VUmc Kinderstad is

At another event hosted by the WTC Amsterdam Business Club

and who exactly benefits from this initiative?

soon after that, I heard that Accenture was considering something

‘VUmc Kinderstad opened in February 2008. Basically, the

similar. I immediately contacted them to see if we could join forces.

idea is to give kids at the children’s clinic a chance to unwind

Accenture set up the Zuidas Run and WTC Amsterdam became

and forget that they’re ill. Often, all attention is focused on the

a Gold Partner in the event. Accenture is also in charge of the

sick child. But we feel it’s also important that their siblings are

organization, which they’ve subcontracted to Trefpunt-PRISM,

encouraged to come to the hospital and made to feel welcome

a sports events agency. So Accenture and Trefpunt-PRISM direct

here. This is an initiative that originated within the VUmc.

the event and we’re a silent partner who sponsor the run with a

Last year we even celebrated our first five-year anniversary.

substantial contribution. From the outset we’ve had lots of WTC-

The hospital wanted to create a space where the whole family

ers taking part, with more people joining every year.’

Text Romy Lange | Photography Jalisa Oudenaarde

9.

Christiaan Huijg & Marijke Peer

The Kids Run is a specific part of the Zuidas Run

How will you be using the proceeds from the Kids Run?

that supports VUmc Kinderstad. Why is it

Marijke: ‘We’d like to put the money towards our craft workshops.

important to support this initiative?

It takes €15 a day to organize a craft workshop for all the kids.

Christiaan: ‘I think it’s a really good thing that we’re

In total we’d need around €5,500, so we hope to achieve that

supporting this and other initiatives through this run,

amount!’ ‘That’s a great use for it’, Christiaan chimes in.

and that the money we collect circulates within Zuidas.

‘You’d be set for the whole year.’

VU University Amsterdam and VU Medical Center are an
important part of Zuidas, and what could be better than

I’ll see you during the run!’ ‘You too, Marijke. See you on the 25th!’

schools also set up plenty of initiatives to aid Kinderstad.
If there’s anything we need, a single email is often enough

The Zuidas Run aims to professionalize and reinvent itself

to get it done. Products are fairly easy to come by, but getting

each year. What’s new in 2014 is the ‘battle of the professions’

financial resources is trickier. We have overhead expenses

between different domains in Zuidas, as well as real bleachers

like any organization, and that means we need money.

for the Suits&Stilettos Run. This is just one of the initiatives

Many people (and particularly children) want to hear

the WTC has led in recent years. As well as establishing Hello

about all the things we’re doing with that money, but it

Zuidas, the WTC is a partner in the Green Business Club and

doesn’t sound so impressive when we say it’s for things

also runs its own Business Club. For further information

like replacing light bulbs. Luckily, there are also plenty

about the Zuidas Run, see: www.zuidasrun.nl.

of tangible things we can spend the money on.’

10.

Now also available

Studio apartments
Corporate housing factory now
offers brand new serviced studio
apartments in the apartment
building New Amsterdam at the
Zuidas in Amsterdam.
All the services, all the equipment
and comfort. Just a bit more
economically designed.

corporate housing factory
for more information:

corporatehousingfactory.com

+31 (0)88 11 69 500

Drinks with colleagues boring ?

Come and have a drink on board our boats!
Prices start at â&#x201A;Ź 32,- p.p. for 90 minutes sailing
with drinks included!

permits will not be granted, they may opt out early in
the planning phase. Municipalities now fear massive
claims and are calling for provisions to be laid down in

SOM/ITO ACQUISITION HIGHLIGHTS SCARCITY
OF FIRST-RATE PROPERTY

the zoning plan, rather than having to apply for
exemptions for each individual development plan.

ZUIDAS – With its purchase of the SOM and ITO buildings,
German-based Union Investment has become an even
more dominant presence in Amsterdam Zuidas.
The German acquisition seems motivated not so much
by a calculated strategy to dominate this top location,
however, as by a simple lack of suitable investment
products in the Dutch market.

YOU CAN FIND HELLO ZUIDAS
ON THESE ONLINE PLATFORMS:
www.facebook.com/hellozuidas
@HelloZuidas
For employees of companies that are member of Hello Zuidas, it is
possible to join our LinkedIn group or link to Hello Zuidas as a contact.
Hello Zuidas has an iPad app that allows you to flip through the magazine.
www.hellozuidas.com
FREEWIFI Hello Zuidas on Mahlerplein & Zuidplein

14.

The state of our Union
If Brussels were a brand, it would be filing for bankruptcy

simply for signing an attendance sheet, not to mention the

soon. Customer loyalty is low, the brand’s image has never

louche lobbyists with their dubious double agendas.

been worse. Indeed, if Europe were a business, I think its
chief operating officer would have been fired a long time

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that after a steady decline
over the past decades – from 65% in 1979 to 43% in 2009 –

When something is broken, you either throw it away or you fix

the turnout for the upcoming European elections is expected

it. From the perspective of return on investment, I’d prefer the

to hit a historic low. A staggering 70% of all European citizens

latter. Why? Because Europe is our best bet to remain relevant

don’t feel they are being heard in Brussels, and more than half

in a rapidly changing world, from Brussels to Budapest, from the

of the population wants less Europe – or no Europe at all.

City to Zuidas. So rather than giving up on Europe and filing for
bankruptcy, I suggest we invest in making it work. That means:

I’ve heard a lot being said about the state of our Union.

leaner and meaner institutions, less bureaucracy and, most of

That all Europe does is create restrictions, rules and

all, more vision.

regulations. That the Eurocrats in Brussels are killing our
economy (or what’s left of it). That they should have better

On 22 May, we, the stakeholders in Europe Inc. have the

things to do than discuss olive oil labels or the curvature of

chance to do something and make ourselves heard. I’d like to

bananas. That Brussels is the playground for stick-to-their-

call on everyone here in Zuidas to – please – use that chance.

seats politicians who get exorbitant fees and per diems,

The stakes have never been higher.

Kirsten van den Hul speaks, writes and works on the crossroads of culture,
communication and change. She works as an independent change agent
for Dienst Zuidas, and writes a weekly column for Dutch daily AD. In 2011
she was appointed as UN Women’s Representative.
Her motto: “Without change no butterflies”.
For more information, visit www.thechangeagent.nl,
or follow @thechangeagent on Twitter.

15.

ZUIDASDOK

Mahlerplein Metamorphosis
16.

ZUIDASDOK

In his plan for Amsterdam’s southern district, known as Plan Zuid (1914), urban planner and architect Hendrik Berlage provided for a broad, tree-lined avenue with a green strip running down
the centre. This was Minervalaan, which would be extended to Mahlerplein by the Municipality
of Amsterdam a century later. Municipal landscape architect Ton Muller explains current plans
for the square’s redesign.

This is a space that defines the character of

they also provide a natural counterpoint to the

the area. For visitors, Mahlerplein is the gateway

surrounding steel, glass and stone.’ Both sides of

to the southern part of Zuidas. But because of

the walled park are set off with ten-metre wide

its windiness, it’s not really a pleasant place

strips of pavement: ‘for anyone who wishes to

to linger. The construction of an underground

cross quickly to the other side’. Muller has used

bicycle storage facility, offering 3,000 spaces,

ramps to resolve the one-metre difference in

has led the initiative to transform the square into

level between Amsterdam Zuid station and the

a sheltered gathering space, creating an oasis

Gustav Mahlerlaan. ‘The square is accessible for

of tranquillity amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

everyone, including wheelchair users. There will
only be one set of stairs: three steps leading from

SUPPORT

the station down into the park.’

Extensive polls were conducted among area
users and residents to gauge support for the

UNDERGROUND

plans. Responses to the idea for a park-like

All conditions permitting, the new Mahlerplein

space where people could stop and sit, were

will be completed in the course of 2016. But first

very positive. The plans meet the explicit call to

the current square will make way for a building

preserve access to the square from all directions,

site during the construction of the bicycle park.

while also respecting the existing outdoor

Construction is slated to start in early 2015.

terraces. Indicating his design drawings, Muller

‘The construction and the design of the bike facility

explains, ‘As you can see, there is a rectangular

and the square are all part of the engagement

central seating area, bordered by a low stone

which we hope to award to a contractor this

wall.’ Paved paths lead along raised grassed

summer,’ Muller says. ‘This project will also

areas to converge at two central spaces, both

include the creation of a 750m3 underground

also bounded by stone walls perfect for sitting.

water reservoir, as well as facilities for cables

Large trees offer protection from the wind

and pipelines. The Mahlerplein metamorphosis

and direct sunlight, but also let the light filter

really spans the whole square, both underground

through. ‘As well as giving shelter from the wind,

and above ground.’

Photography Jalisa Oudenaarde | Text Eric Burgers

17.

Finance
Source: Het Financieele Dagblad

Every edition of Hello Zuidas magazine features financial news related to the Zuidas district,
Amsterdam or the Netherlands. Send your financial news to hellozuidas@asega.nl.

MARKET FOR MANHATTAN LUXURY
APARTMENTS IS HOT. AMSTERDAM’S
KROONENBERG GROUP REAPING THE BENEFITS.

18.

HOUSING MARKET UPTURN FUELS AKZONOBEL
OPTIMISM ABOUT EUROPE

ZUIDAS – The property development company is

ZUIDAS – Paint manufacturer AkzoNobel is expecting an

complex. In March it sold its most expensive apartment

upturn in the European housing market, said Ruud Joosten,

in no time and, at $10.5 mil. (€7.5 mil.), at a price which

head of the company’s decorative paints division, during an

far exceeded the anticipated $8 mil. This American foray

investors’ day in London. While the company notes there are

has certainly whetted the company’s appetite, according

still few people relocating – meaning paint purchases for

to Director Lesley Bamberger (48). Kroonenberg has

home refurbishment remain low – housing markets in

already sold all 52 smaller apartments in the prestigious

several countries are showing signs of recovery, and that

building, even though it’s still six months from

trend is set to gain force. ‘Lots of people have put off home

completion. Just two weeks ago, six penthouses,

maintenance’, Joosten said. ‘But the housing market will

described as ‘ultra-luxurious’ in the company’s

pick up again either this year or the next, entailing a good

promotional brochures, were put up for sale by the

potential for a strong European growth market.’

property agent, who will be receiving a 5% commission.

converting an old office building into a residential

AS CRISIS DRAGS ON, APS TEAMS UP WITH
AMERICANS TO CASH IN ON RETAIL REAL ESTATE

‘THE NETHERLANDS HOT WITH BIG COMPANIES’

ZUIDAS – Together, the partners purchased stakes in seven

competitive countries when it comes to attracting large

US shopping centres, totalling $2.1 bil. But these investment

companies to locate, according to a biennial study

giants have nowhere near slaked their thirst for real estate.

conducted by KPMG. Multinationals opt for the

In spite of rising prices, the Dutch pension investor APG and

Netherlands because they offer the cheapest rates for

its American counterpart Tiaa-Cref will be continuing their

office and industrial space, as well as various tax

collaboration, with the acquisition of regional luxury

incentives for R&D, among other things. While rents

shopping centres in the US. ‘Our size gives us enormous

in cities like Paris and London are astronomically high,

leverage in this market’, explains Tiaa-Cref Investment

a location in Amsterdam is not more expensive than in

Manager Philip McAndrews, who is investing $564 bil.

other Dutch cities. All this has put the Netherlands in

from academics clients and others. ‘Our interests run

third place on the list of the top ten most important

parallel’, he says of his Dutch partners.

economies, ranking it with the US, Japan and Germany.

ZUIDAS – The Netherlands is one of the world’s most

NEW MANAGING PARTNER AT THE HELM OF EY
ACCOUNTANCY
ZUIDAS – Giljam Aarnink, Managing Partner of EY’s
accountancy division, will be stepping down and handing
over his position to Michèle Hagers. This will make EY the
first major Dutch accounting and consultancy firm to have a
woman at the helm of its accountancy division. In addition,
Hagers will automatically be taking Aarnink’s seat on the
management board of EY Netherlands and Belgium.
Hagers (b. 1966) has worked at Ernst & Young – last year
officially renamed EY – since 1989, where she has held
various positions. After six years as managing partner,
Aarnink will return to focusing wholly on clients. The position
of managing partner at EY is subject to a maximum term of
six years, although this limit is not set in stone.

Photography Veronika Bačová

19.

PUBLIC SPACE

Five food
& drink
stands
in Zuidas
this summer!
From this month you’ll find food & drink stands at five locations across Zuidas. The Zuidas Development Office has granted
five operators permission to set up temporary stalls over the summer. With a wide array of business plans submitted before
the March deadline, the jury received as many as 83 fantastic initiatives, only five of which could be selected. Over the next
few months, you can visit the stands yourself!

ICOON: THE ‘PENTAGON’
(FOOTBALL PITCH BETWEEN PRINSES
IRENESTRAAT & STRAWINSKYLAAN)
Welcome to the mobile bread bar! Operating from a
quintessentially Dutch greenhouse, ICOON serves up oneof-a-kind organic COONwiches – sandwiches in the shape
of an ice cream cone. Our COONwiches are baked fresh on
site and filled with artisanal produce grown in a fully selfsufficient sustainable greenhouse. With solar panel-powered
refrigeration, green gas for the oven and a large water tank,
ICOON has no need of fixed electrical or water facilities.
For additional info, visit: www.icoonpopup.nl

20.

PUBLIC SPACE
JUICE AND SALAD: GUSTAV MAHLERPLEIN
The initiator behind Juice and Salad is a bona fide farmer!
We serve freshly prepared salads and veggie and fruit juices,
and much of our organic produce comes straight from his
farm. Established on Amsterdam’s Vijzelstraat for more
than two years now, Juice and Salads knows exactly what
customers are craving. Come sample one of our tasty juices
or delicious salads today!

BULLS & BEARS: GUSTAV MAHLERPLEIN
Bulls & Bears invites Zuidas to experience the responsible
lunch. Whilst paying homage to the stock exchange, our
name signals that good-quality, healthy food can also be
enterprising. This location features a robust slow-cooking
wood oven where responsible burgers, sausage rolls and
sandwiches are made to order. Traders needing a fix for a
financial hangover are sure to welcome a proportionate price
drop in the weekly special, or else cash in on the celebratory
mood when the index rises (in other words: the price of the
weekly special depends on the previous day’s AEX index).

FRESH FROM THE MAASS KITCHEN: GERSHWINPLEIN
Not in the mood to cook? At ‘Uit de keuken van Maass’, open
from 8am till 8pm, you can choose from a variety of delicious
and healthy entrees, lunch or dinner salads, soups, desserts and
organic juices, made fresh and ready to eat. All ingredients are
organic and sustainably produced. Check out our video clip to
see where products are sourced and find out exactly what’s on
your plate. Located on Veemarkt, ‘Uit De Keuken Van Maass’
has sustainable food down to an art form. For additional info,
visit: www.uitdekeukenvanmaass.nl.

STEWART & SALLY: VU TRAM LOOP
‘Slow-cooked fresh food’ is what Stewart & Sally in Zuidas is all
about. Sure to appeal to the modern student and hardworking
professional alike, Stewart & Sally serves a varying weekly menu
of entrees and luxury meal salads from a converted shipping
container. S&S also has an all-day range of stews for a quick and
healthy meal option. Want to order online? Your order will be
ready to pick up on your lunch break or after you leave the office.

Text: Romy Lange

21.

Summerparty Zuidas
FRIDAY, 27 JUNE 2014
Zuidplein, 4.30pm - midnight
Come and enjoy a free open air concert at 5.15pm, performed by the VU-Orchestra,
while feasting on culinary delights and drinks provided by Zuidas restaurants.
Later on, stay put to see sizzling DJ’s and live performances by top artist Wolter Kroes
and others, compliments of Blauwe Engel. Great food,
sultry beats – what better recipe for the perfect summer afternoon…
to be followed by a spectacular party!
The VU-Orchestra, which has over a 100 members,
will perform ‘Sheherazade’ by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
This will be a great outdoor opportunity to meet colleagues,
neighbours and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

Amsterdam Zuidas is a prestigious location and here, more than
anywhere else in the Netherlands, the façade of your building is
your calling card. We specialise in the cleaning and technical
maintenance of building façades. Thanks to our innovative systems
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Christel Boeljon

Zuidas welcome at the
Deloitte Ladies Open golf tournament
For the second year in a row, the stunning golf course at Amsterdam’s The International will be hosting the Deloitte
Ladies Open, on 23-25 May 2014. In honour of the relocation of its Amsterdam offices to new monumental premises
at The Edge in Zuidas, Deloitte will be organizing a number of tournament-related events, where all of Zuidas can
get acquainted with its new neighbours.

URBAN GOLD TOURNAMENT AT ZUIDAS

After the official play, the public can also have a

As a fun tribute to the Deloitte Ladies Open,

‘swing’ at the course (to register, send an email

Zuidas itself will furnish the course for an Urban

to: deloittegolf@deloitte.nl).

golf tournament on 15 May. Totalling four holes,
office buildings in the heart of Zuidas, with play

May 23 20:00 hrs to May 26 05:00 hrs
PRESIDENT KENNEDYLA
AN
STADSDEEL
KANTOOR
ZUID

AT
AAT

GAASTERLANDSTR

SYNAGOGE

ZENDMAST

BEGRAAFPLAATS
ZORGVLIED

BARBARA STROZZILAAN

T. ALBINONISTRAAT

P
S109

HOLIDAY
INN

Information market on Zuidas
and Zuidasdok, WTC foyer
4pm-7pm
Curious about progress at Zuidasdok?
Want to find out if there are works
planned over the summer? Or curious
to see what the Mahlerplein will
look like… Want to know just what
all those cranes are doing?
Or interested in living at Zuidas?
For answers to these and other
questions, visit the Zuidas and
Zuidasdok information market at the
WTC. No registration necessary.

EUROPABOULEVARD

CONSTRUCTION SITE

ARENDJANSZOON
JANSZOONERNSTSTRAAT
ERNSTSTRAAT
ARENT

THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2014

A10

Road closures on
Europaboulevard between De
Boelelaan and Amsterdam RAI
Due to rail and road works around
Amsterdam RAI station, there will be a
number of road closures in the
evenings, nights and weekends during
this period. The weekend closure from
8pm on Friday, 23 May until 5am on
Monday, 26 May is expected to have
the greatest impact on traffic, with
large sections of Europaboulevard
closed to cars. Europaboulevard west
will be partially closed to cyclists and
pedestrians traffic, with a diversion via
Europaboulevard east. For full details,
see: www.zuidas.nl (under current
works) or www.prorail.nl/ov.saal.
NOVOTEL

ROUTE FOR CYCLISTS

ROUTE FOR PEDESTRIANS

TUNNEL

BARONIEPAD

VELUWESTRAAT

STICHTSTRAAT

TWENTESTRAAT

OLDAMBTSTR.

DOMENICO SCARLATTILAAN

DE BOELELAAN

26.

BARONIESTRAAT

BETUWESTRAAT

ZUIDELIJKE WANDELWE
G

19 MAY - 4 JUNE

Asparagus at Bolenius
During May and June, Bolenius will
once more be serving up the very
best asparagus. Delivered fresh
from the farm, and bringing a bit
of Limburg to Amsterdam.

SALLANDSTR.

MAASLANDSTRAAT

A10

RAVEL
RESIDENCE

EVERY DAY IN MAY
AND JUNE 2014

GRAAFSCHAPSTRAA
T

GELRESTRAAT

D

P

PRESIDENT KENNEDYLA
AN

MONTFERLANDSTR. WESTERWOLDESTRA

EUROPABOULEVAR

RAI

IVALDISTRAAT
ANTONIO V

Crowne Plaza, Amsterdam
6pm – 8pm
Is your company holding a summer
event, a networking event or another
kind of event? Looking for a Zuidas
venue that’s different from the usual
bars and cafes? Crowne Plaza
Amsterdam has the perfect solution:
your own company BBQ, held on our
Waterfort Terrace. For arrangements, please send an email to:
marjan.elgersma@ihg.com.

Urban Golf @ Zuidas
On 15 May, Zuidas is hosting a special
event in honour of the Deloitte Ladies
Open on 23-25 May, with a four-hole
golf course featuring unique targets and
cutting straight through the buildings.
The course begins and ends on Gustav
Mahlerlaan, where players will tee off
using special ‘almost golf’ balls.
Participants will include executive
board members from Deloitte, KLM
and ABN AMRO, world-class golf
star Christel Boeljon and a number
of Dutch celebrities.

Adjoining architect Jan Wils’ monumental 1928 Olympic Stadium is
Amsterdam’s ‘Olympic Quarter’.
With 969 new homes, it’s the largest
new-build location inside the A10 ring
motorway. Lafour & Wijk architects
opted for a style that dovetails with
that of the surrounding Amsterdam
School architecture – part of Berlage’s
famous Plan Zuid, which also features
on this walking tour, along with a
number of stunning building complexes. Registration required: olk@oba.nl.
Weekend
works:
Tickets
€10
/ €5 for OBA members

MAY - JUNE 2014
Next magazine will be published @ 1st of July. Send your agenda to hellozuidas@asega.nl before the 6th of June.

ZUIDAS
RUN.NL
SCHRIJF JE NU IN!

WEDNESDAY, 21 MAY 21 SUNDAY, 25 MAY 2014
Kunstvlaai | Platform for
Experimental Art Spaces
Amstelpark
8am – 30 minutes to sunset
Come enjoy this multi-day celebration
of art(ist-run) initiatives in the Amstelpark. This 10th edition of Kunstvlaai
– themed: ‘From Safety to Where, I Love
The Feeling of Being Slightly Lost’ –
promises to be an exciting place to visit
for art lovers, artists, Amsterdam locals
and world citizens alike. Admission is
free. Find the full programme on:
www.kunstvlaai.nl.

SUNDAY, 25 MAY 2014
Zuidas Run
25 mei 2014
Gustav Mahlerplein
10am-5pm
On Sunday,
25 May 2014,
theNederland
Dé Business
Run van
Netherlands’ one-and-only Business
Run is coming to Gustav Mahlerplein
in Zuidas. Races during the Zuidas
Run include the 4 EM, 10 EM and the
Kids Run. Participants will be running
in support of the VUmc Virtual Reality
Lab and VUmc Kinderstad. Register
now at: www.zuidasrun.nl.

OPENS THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2014
Exhibition: The Art of the Brick
Amsterdam EXPO
This fantastic exhibition – proclaimed
one of the world’s ten must-see
exhibitions by CNN – features
large-scale sculptures created entirely
from LEGO® bricks. Many of them are
human figures, but there’s also a T-Rex
skeleton constructed from more than
80,000 LEGO bricks and measuring
over six metres in length. These
one-of-a-kind LEGO sculptures are the
work of US artist Nathan Sawaya. The
exhibition includes an Interactive Zone,
inviting younger (and older) visitors to
explore their creativity, using the iconic
bricks. For more info, see:
www.amsterdamexpo.nl.

WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY 2014
23-25 MAY 2014
Deloitte Ladies Open
From Friday 23 May through Sunday 25
May, the golf course at Amsterdam’s
The International will be hosting the
Deloitte Ladies Open. With Deloitte
gearing up to relocate its offices to
Zuidas this November, the company
will be inviting all its new neighbours to
a networking reception on the first day
of this prestigious international
tournament. The networking reception
will be held from 5pm till 7pm at The
International. To have your name
added to the guest list, please send an
email to Jasper@tigsports.nl, stating
‘Zuidas networking reception’ in the
subject line.

BROADWAY BABIES XIV
Boulevard Theater, Amsterdam
start 1pm

The Frank Sanders Akademie voor
Musicaltheater’s graduation show
Broadway Babies is an annual Dutch
theatre tradition, when graduating
students put on a final group performance. Now in its 14th year, this is
where the stars of tomorrow make
their debut before a Dutch audience
Broadway Babies, edition XIV,
promises a full evening’s entertainment, with Tim Burton’s film Big Fish
providing the inspiration for a unique
musical theatre performance.
Reservation required:
jaar3@franksandersakademie.nl.

THURSDAY, 5 JUNE, 2014
TUESDAY, 3 JUNE 2014
RSM’ Executive Education
seminar ‘Gender-balanced
leadership: creating value’
Join us at the third RSM Erasmus
Business Series and explore:
• understanding gender bias
• what the advantages of genderbalanced leadership are
• the power and consequence
of networks
Dr Dianne Bevelander will inspire you to
further develop your business and
personal skills to boost your business
and empower women. www.rsm.nl/ebs

Open day Duisenberg school
of finance
Duisenberg school of finance
5.30pm-9pm
This open day will consist of a minimaster class brought to you by Prof.
Florencio Lopez de Silanes and focusses on questions such as: why are banks
always bankrupt? That banks around
the world are fragile has been proved
yet again by the recent financial crisis.
But what makes banks inherently weak?

FRIDAY, 6 JUNE 2014
Unveiling of statues at
Europaplein
On 6 June, in the late afternoon, six
unique, large statues will be officially
installed and unveiled at Europaplein
in front of the RAI. Such a large square
naturally calls for large-scale and
spectacular art. Curious? Come to the
opening! Check the website
www.zuidas.nl for more information.

THURSDAY, 5, JUNE 2014

THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2014
Free lunch concert: Musical
entertainment with a French twist
Central Hall, WTC Amsterdam
12.30pm-1.30pm
Rie Kimura (baroque violin), Robert
Smith (viola da gamba) and Guillermo
Brachetta (harpsichord) make up the
Fantasticus ensemble. The name refers
to the Stylus Fantasticus of the late
17th century, a gloriously unfettered
way of composing music that fits in
with the sense of adventure and joie de
vivre typical of the age. For more info,
see: www.wtcamsterdam.com/events.

28.

Street football tournament
Calvijn against Junior College,
Amsterdam Duisenberg School
of Finance
12am-5pm
For the sixth year in a row, Zingeving
Zuidas and De Nieuwe Poort have
teamed up to put on the Straatvoetbaltoernooi, our annual street football
tournament for a good cause. Join the
ranks of ‘FC Zuidas’ as it plays ‘VV
Slotervaart’, with lawyers, consultants
and bankers from Zuidas facing off
against secondary school students
from Slotervaart and De Bijlmer.
Over the years, some 30 big companies
in Zuidas have joined in the Straatvoetbaltoernooi. It’s fun, uplifting, and you
may just have more in common with
each other than you’d think.
www.denieuwepoort.org

TUESDAY, 17 JUNE 2014
Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
5pm – 8:30pm
WTC Amsterdam Business Club is
visiting the Van Gogh Museum on 17
June. The visit is outside regular
opening hours and will include
exclusive guided tours. This is a
members-only event. Please register
via businessclub@wtcamsterdam.com.

MAY - JUNE 2014
Next magazine will be published @ 1st of July. Send your agenda to hellozuidas@asega.nl before the 6th of June.

SATURDAY, 21 JUNE 2014
LGB Boat Challenge 2014
On 21 June, LGB events is organizing
another edition of the LGB Boat
Challenge – a barge rally for which
everyone can sign up with their own
canal-worthy boat. The kick-off takes
place at the StrandZuid restaurant
behind the RAI in Amsterdam.
The finish and announcement of the
winner will take place at StrandZuid,
followed by a BBQ and party. The price
for participation is €69.50 per person,
which includes boat registration, limited
drinks and admission to the evening’s
festivities. Got a boat – or boated
friends – and want to join? Send an
email to: bookings@boatchallenge.nl
to register or to get more information.
www.boatchallenge.nl

SUNDAY, 29 JUNE 2014
Viva Las Vegas
Old School Amsterdam
Start: 2pm
Calling all meat-lovers, meat-reducers
and meat-avoiders! On Sunday, 29
June 2014, the Viva Las Vega
foundation is organizing its fourth
annual Food Festival, sure to tempt all
left and right-wingers, greenists and
greyists alike. With delectable
cooking workshops, a food market
featuring gourmet vegetable tastings,
an extensive programme of films and
interesting speakers, this promises to
be a fascinating day out for the entire
family. This year’s festival is at Old
School, near the Amsterdam RAI.
www.vlvfoodfestival.nl

FRIDAY, 27 JUNE 2014
Zuidas Culinary & Concert meets Zomerfeest
Blauwe Engel, Zuidplein
4.30pm – midnight
On 27 June, Zuidas will once more be showcasing its rich
culinary arsenal of restaurants, lunch counters and cafes
during Zuidas Culinair & Concert – which for the first time
this year will be in association with Amsterdam’s
Zomerfeest festival. Sample drinks and bites from a
diverse range of Zuidas eating establishments, while
enjoying a free open-air concert by the VU Orchestra.
Later on, stay put to see sizzling DJ’s and live performances
by top artist Wolter Kroes and others, compliments of
Blauwe Engel. Great food, sultry beats – what better recipe
for the perfect summer afternoon… to be followed by a
spectacular party!
For further information, see: www.vu-orkest.nl

Could we be leaders
in sustainability?
Join the discussion on ‘polder’ roofs, energy, waste, water, chickens, geothermal heating,
electrical charging stations and a myriad of other themes during OldSchool Amsterdam’s
presentation of the second Zuidas sustainability report. In cooperation with the Zuidas
Development Office and the Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello Zuidas has once more managed
to compile a valuable collection of data in an appealing format. Klaas de Boer (Director of the
Zuidas Development Office ), Timo Huisman (Chair of Green Business Club Zuidas) and Olivier
Otten (Director of Hello Zuidas) met with Melanie van der Horst (Programme Director of the
Green Business Club Zuidas and event moderator) and an audience of over a hundred guests,
to discuss their latest findings on sustainability.

CIRCULAR CITY

finance towards a mix of legal advice, property

The afternoon’s theme was ‘The Circular City’.

and HR, plus an increasing share of residential

Today, we try to limit the quantity of raw materials

housing’, he says. ‘On a local level, an occupancy

we take from the Earth and to ensure those we do

rate of one per cent yields €6,000,000. This

extract are used sustainably and in a manner that

means that every euro invested here generates

promotes regional self-sufficiency. It all sounds

€15 for the local economy.’

great, but, according Klaas de Boer, the concept

30.

is really a fallacy. ‘We all have the ambition to be

THE SOFT AND HARD SIDES OF ZUIDAS

self-sufficient, of course, but that goal is still a

Urban sustainability and the use of resources are

long way off. The big focus now is on sustainable

a worldwide concern. After all, half of the world’s

urban development. Considering the density

population lives in cities. According to Timo

and diversity of this area, Zuidas is really highly

Huisman, Zuidas is poised to play a pioneering

sustainable.’ Olivier Otten also cites the mix

role. ‘By joining forces, we can streamline

of users. ‘We’re shifting from being a centre of

sustainable projects and showcase concrete

SUSTAINABILITY

The presentation of the second Zuidas
sustainability report.

The afternoon’s theme was ‘The Circular City’.

Agreeing with Huisman, Klaas de Boer adds,

ZUIDAS ACCESSIBILITY
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

‘A few years ago my focus in directing Zuidas

According to the men, Zuidas still has some

was mainly about which contracts we had,

strides to make where accessibility is concerned.

where we should build, identifying opportunities

Too many people still commute by car, for example.

for expansion and so on. But over the last few

‘At the same time, Zuidas is setting a great example’,

years, we’ve seen an increasing shift in emphasis

Olivier says. ‘Around 47% of people come by

towards the “softer” side. That means we’re

public transport, 32% by car and the rest of them

focusing more on facilitation within the area,

come by bike. With the area attracting more and

on the community and on sustainable projects,

more people, parking has become an increasing

like the tree gardens and the chicken farm.

problem, and it will be important to come up with

It goes without saying that the soft side is

new ways to reach Zuidas.’ ‘Employers can play

much more fun than the hard side.’

a vital role here’, Huisman adds, ‘for example by

examples such as the polder roof at OldSchool.’

incorporating public transport chip cards, bicycle

‘The soft side is much more
fun than the hard side’

schemes and incentives for electric car use into
their terms of employment. For next year, we hope
to see more results in these areas as well.’

You can watch Zuidas live! And not just the buildings, but also the A10 motorway. See for
yourself whether to expect traffic jams or if it’s plain sailing, on: http://zuidas.webcam.nl/.
Last year, Accenture organized the Low Car Diet – a programme which allowed employees to trade
in their car keys and opt for electric cars, car pools, trains, buses, trams, the metro, public transport
bikes, taxis and station-based working and meeting facilities instead.
All office buildings at Zuidas have to achieve a BREEAM-NL sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ at the
very least. Buildings that meet these high sustainability requirements are by definition very energy
efficient and require only a minimal external supply of energy.
Curious about the sustainability report? You can browse through the report on
http://issuu.com/asegamedia/docs/duurzaamheidsverslag_2013_zuidas
You can also pick up a hard copy at the Hello Zuidas Servicepoint in the WTC.

Act
Global,
Consume
Local
Many people in this area wish to create
as well as retain a lively atmosphere
in Zuidas. That’s why we rely on our
local restaurants, bars and small
entrepreneurs, all of which you can find here!

InXpress: High-quality document and parcel shipping at
wholesale rates. Working with top carriers like DHL and
UPS, we guarantee outstanding service. Need assistance
or advice? And how about a tasty treat to go with your
coffee? It’s all included! For further information or a brief
personal meeting (no obligations!), please contact:

Breezed through another
brainstorming session?
Next time…

Jos Nefkens

denieuwepoort.org

jos.nefkens@inxpress.com,

Claude Debussylaan 2-8 | Viñoly Zuidas

06-54 656 992
www.inxpress.com

denieuwepoort
32.

HAS MOVED!
Our new location in
Zuidas: Amsterdam WTC,

T: 0299 - 468545 E: info@kembra.nl

www.kembra.nl

Strawinskylaan 43,
1077 XW Amsterdam,
Central Hall, Tower A
Here you can browse through our entire
collection. Art loans and sales for private and
business clients. To receive news and updates,
or if you have any questions, please contact us:
www.galeriemodern.nl

Also keep an
eye on our site
for the date of
our Grand
Opening!

info@galeriemodern.nl
020-2218 136
06-47 266 179

KEMBRA: INTERIORS & PRODUCTION
Are you planning to refurbish and do you want to create
your dream kitchen, bedroom or bathroom? Call us and pay
a visit to our showroom, so you can see all the possibilities
on offer. If you wish, we can also arrange for customized
furniture and fittings, or a complete interior designing
project headed by a design consultant.
Also visit our shop-in-shop at Season Flowers in Zuidas!
Showroom
Van IJsendijkstraat 162a, Purmerend
0299-468 545
info@kembra.nl
www.kembra.nl

Season Flowers’ flower and interiors shop is now available
for hire as a venue for various events on Saturdays
(all day/half a day). Set aside a Saturday in your diary

We

and invite all your friends for your own event in our
shop! An expert stylist will visit you beforehand to take

Zusters Liefde (‘Sister’s Love’) prepares healthy meals, using

measurements and talk about the desired interior.

fresh regional and seasonal products. We don’t use additives.

Want to find out more? Feel free to call us: 020-3307571

All our ingredients are as natural as they come and preferably

We hope to see you soon,

organic. Top up on healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and

The team at Season Flowers

good quality proteins. Orders are delivered free of charge in

Gustav Mahlerlaan 401-403

Zuidas, so there’s no need to interrupt your work or to shop

amsterdam@seasonflowers.nl

for groceries on your way home. See what we have to offer on:

www.seasonflowers.nl

www.zustersliefde.nl.

33.

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Bee th ov en
Leo S mitstraat

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in and around Zuidas. All are publically accessible and
many are to be found inside parking garages
• With as many as 20 charging stations in their garage,
VU/VUmc comes top of the list Zuidas.

34.

laa n

• You can also have a charging station installed on your
Vijverhoef

Radboud

Van d .
Boec horst str.

weg

• There are already more than 70 electric charging stations

BUITENVELDERTWEST

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NieuwerElectric mobility highly doable in
read why!
Van Zuidas:
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Electric charging stations have been popping up all over Zuidas.
This map features all of them!
Cannen-

parkeren-verkeer/amsterdam-elektrisch/opladen/
• This site also tells you if the charging station is available
and which type of vehicle can be charged there (including
bikes and motor scooters): www.oplaadpalen.nl
• Also available are apps that direct you to the nearest
e-charging station. One to check out is the Love to load app.

Map maps4news.com

35.

Fancy a company BBQ on our
sunny waterfront Terrace?
Let us arrange it for you
and get a free reception drink

Bravura in Amsterdam Zuid
Now that the summer’s in sight, the terrace at the Wyndham Apollo hotel is getting busier by the day.
It’s also a popular spot for people who work in Zuidas to come and unwind. ‘Particularly at this
time of year, the Zuidas crowd like to come here for a drink’, says Alexander Kluit. As Area
General Manager, he holds overall responsibility for Apollo Hotels & Resorts’ three hotels in
Amsterdam, including the Wyndham Apollo Hotel, the Ramada Apollo and Apollo Museum Hotel.

What better way to renew your energy after
a long meeting than a relaxing massage?

AMSTERDAM BRAVURA
The hotel’s à la carte restaurant, ‘La Sirène’, is a
seafood restaurant with a cosmopolitan menu.
‘Amsterdam is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s
reflected in our dishes. You’ll see influences from

Tuesday, 4 March 2014 4pm-6.30pm @ WTC Amsterdam
• The debate was moderated by Hella Hueck, presenter at RTL Z
and reporter for RTL Nieuws.
• All Amsterdam municipal council members were present.
• The central topic was the election manifesto released by
Amsterdam’s business community, titled ‘Let the economy thrive!
No welfare without wealth’.
• What are the parties planning to do about the heavy regulatory
burden in the period ahead? How can we make Amsterdam
the most appealing business location for new and existing
companies? These were a few of the issues discussed.

SUITS&STILETTOS RUN
Thursday, 24 April 2014 – 12.30pm-1.30pm @ Gustav Mahlerplein
• The Suits&Stilettos Run is a stunt race organized to help
promote the Zuidas Run.
• None other than Jort Kelder hosted the event.
• Consultants, bankers, lawyers and civil servants ran a
heart-stopping heat on the 50-metre track.
• The men ran suited and tied and toting their briefcases,
whilst the women sprinted over the red carpet in heels at
least 9cm high.
• Registration for the Zuidas Run is open until 14 May
on www.zuidasrun.nl.

Luc van Emmering & Jort Kelder

Birte Kersten & Jort Kelder

Saskia Boonzajer Flaes

Right: Daan Hendrix

Photography Julie Blik

Bas Cornelissen, Robert Kooijman &
Robbert Ooms

39.

SPECIAL

TALENT
DUTCH UNIVERSITIES RATE HIGH ON QUALITY
In 2013, The Times Higher Education University Rankings conducted an extensive study on
all universities worldwide. Overall, it found the level of Dutch universities to be very high.
Twelve universities in the Netherlands even number among the top 200 of the The Times
Higher Education University Rankings, which bases its analysis on a total of 13 aspects.
These include the classroom environment and volume of research output. After eight years
in first place, Harvard University was displaced by the California Institute of Technology in
the 2013 rankings, followed by the University of Oxford at number three.

BEST UNIVERSITY IN THE NETHERLANDS
While Eindhoven University still topped the list of Dutch universities last year, the latest ranking
shows a new line-up, with Utrecht University in first. In an Elsevier survey of Dutch universities,
Utrecht likewise came out first in quality of education, and has also been ranked in the
worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 100, together with Wageningen University, Leiden University and the University
of Amsterdam. The remaining Dutch universities all made the top 200, with the exception
of Tilburg University. Dutch Education Minister Jet Bussemaker said she was pleased with
these results, which only go to show once more how a small country can make it big in the
worldwide education arena.
Source: Dutch universities & The Times Higher Education University Rankings

40.

SPECIAL

ZUIDAS HAS ITS OWN MASTER’S!
The Master’s in Business Law in Zuidas has
been around since 2008, but did you know
it’s taught at VU University Amsterdam?
Students in the programme are trained for
careers at top law firms in the area.
The emphasis is on business law and
financial law. The Master’s is organized
in conjunction with 14 large law firms
in Zuidas. Zuidas is an international
business hub with the highest concentration
of law firms in Europe, and with the VU
University Amsterdam campus at its centre.

41.

VU CAMPUS EXHIBITION:
EDUCATION ON COURSE
What is neuropsychologist Erik Scherder’s
trick to make his massive lecture course
so awe-inspiring? Why is the VU unlike
anywhere else , when it comes to studying
mathematics? Anyone taking a stroll
across the VU grounds can read the pieces
presented in the campus exhibition Education on Course, featuring boards where
lecturers explain in concrete terms how
they embody VU’s vision on education and
where alumni show what their vision has
brought to fruition. Lecturers and alumni
who share their voices include Jochen
Bretschneider, Taco Dibbits, Nathalie
Dijkman, Halleh Ghorashi, Mirella Kleijnen,
Ronald Meester, Erik Scherder, Nico van
Straalen, Jorim Tielbeek, Ad Verbrugge
and Kilian Wawoe.

‘Communication is essential
for talent development’
In 1878, Maximilian Berlitz opened a language school in New Jersey. Nowadays, there are 550 Berlitz centres in 70 different
countries. ‘With the globalized world it’s just not enough to speak the same language. In order to communicate effectively
you need to understand the culture’, says Mario García de León, Language Centre Director at Berlitz Amsterdam.
This is why, 25 years ago, Berlitz started offering intercultural

Berlitz addresses global cultural awareness in its leadership

training programmes. ‘Frustration and conflicts between

training. According to Mario, modern-day leadership depends

employees easily arise through misunderstandings about

on more than just a few ‘classical’ leadership skills. ‘In a global

each other's cultures. Our intercultural training helps

workplace like Zuidas, it is very important for managers to

employees understand the social and business etiquette of

acknowledge and understand cultural differences in order to

the new country they’re living in’, Mario says.

communicate effectively.’

43.

SPECIAL

Mario García de León, Language Center Director

Linda Annokkee, International Mobility

at Berlitz Amsterdam.

Manager Danone

‘Frustration and conflicts between
employees easily arise through

You work with the expats who come to the
Netherlands to work and take part in the trainings
here. Can you give examples of stumbling blocks and

misunderstandings and a lack of

of how the training helps them deal with these?

knowledge about each other's cultures’

efficient. But when they are confronted with the municipal

‘Many people expect the system in the Netherlands to be very
services for one reason or another, they come up against a wall of

However, communication remains Berlitz’s core business.

bureaucracy. At Berlitz they learn to understand the Dutch culture,

Often, participants are young, talented executives who

saving them a lot of frustration. The fact that the trainings are

have great technical skills, yet struggle with effective

customized and keyed to nationality, makes them very effective.’

communication. But, as Mario says, ‘In just a few weeks,
they can gain the communication skills and language

Your international employees and their families also

competences they need.’

take language courses. What was the reason for
choosing Berlitz?

Danone is an important client for Berlitz. The company

‘In many cases, our employees’ partners already speak a

directs its worldwide workforce to take Berlitz language

little English, but not fluently enough to be confident about it.

and intercultural trainings. Hello Zuidas talked to Danone’s

Berlitz puts a big focus on talking and interacting – it’s very

International Mobility Manager Linda Annokkee.

practically oriented. This helps learners to overcome their
shyness to communicate, once they’re on their own.

Talent development is a big focus at Danone.

They end up enjoying their stay in the Netherlands

What role does understanding other cultures

a lot more, which is really important to us.’

play in cultivating professional talent?
‘To build a career in an international company like Danone,
you have to be able to understand other customs. And if
you really want to move up our company ladder, you’ll also
have to be willing to work abroad. That’s why we have
our expats around the world do intercultural trainings
with Berlitz.’

44.

‘You can have all the talent in the world,
but if you can’t channel it properly in
different cultures, then there’s only so far
you can go at an international company’

SPECIAL

‘In Japan we have a saying:
“Business is people” – meaning that
Yoshihito Kazama, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy
at Travel Plaza Europe (part of the JTB Corp).

the greatest asset for corporate growth
is human capital’

Every year, the JTB Corporation helps Berlitz set up a three-

You have been working with Berlitz for five years now.

day Global Leadership Training for its European area leaders

What do you value about this partnership?

in Amsterdam. Yoshihito Kazama, Executive Director of

‘They understand our philosophy and our group code.

Corporate Strategy at Travel Plaza Europe (part of the JTB

They don’t simply put you in a fixed programme with

group) tells us about this training.

whichever instructor is available. Berlitz offers a programme
tailored to your company. For example, because we are

Why is this training important for JTB?

a Japanese company, our trainer at the Global Leadership

‘JTB’s global strategy is that we need to communicate in

Training lives in Japan and has built up a relationship of

different companies and countries. The training helps us

trust with our parent company. Therefore, he understands

with this and helps promote the growth of our employees.

our corporate culture. That is very important.’

They learn to improve their communication skills. In a
company like ours, with so many brands and nationalities,
this is very useful. And the exchange of knowledge taking
place during the training is also very valuable.’
Does the company benefit from the training?
I believe that, in the long run, this programme will have a

Contact

positive effect on our global strategy. In Japan we have a

T: +31 20 622 13 75

saying: “Business is people” – meaning that the greatest asset

W: www.berlitz.nl

for corporate growth is human capital. In order to grow, you

Contact Promo Code:

need to invest in your people, and that’s what this training is

Hello Zuidas (5% off)

about. So, in effect, it helps our company grow as a whole.

Text Jori Spitz | Photography William Maanders

45.

SPECIAL

Dr Dianne Bevelander, Associate Dean of MBA programmes at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM).

Women mean business
Gender-balanced leadership has proven to be successful. So why are women still underrepresented in leadership positions
in the work force? Dr Dianne Bevelander says one of the reasons is second-order biases: not biases you can observe
directly, but biases that are just as real and are being felt – views about the roles of men and women in society and about
how they should behave. The consequence? Workplace practices and cultures continue to favour men, in spite of the
efforts that are made to include women.

‘We’re underutilising wonderful talent. Women are needed

UNDERSTANDING BIASES

in top positions,” says Dr Dianne Bevelander, Associate Dean

Bevelander believes that structural and cultural issues relating

of MBA programmes at Rotterdam School of Management,

to gender must be addressed. ‘People aren’t born thinking

Erasmus University (RSM). “Research shows that companies

what their roles should be on professional and personal levels.

with women on boards tend to do better both financially and

But we see mainly men in top positions and we’ve been led

in terms of corporate governance. Women are equal to men,

to believe that men are more capable and more powerful,’

and this should be reflected in organisation hierarchies.’

she says. ‘When a woman acts as a leader, it makes people
uncomfortable because they aren’t acting to type – this is a

In the EU women on average have a higher level of education

second-order bias.’ Both men and women should become

than their male colleagues, yet they represent only 16.6 per

aware of the issues around gender bias and second-order

cent of board members of large listed European companies .

biases alluded to above.

1

Dr Bevelander adds that only 13 out of the world’s 500 largest
corporations had female CEOs in 2010.

46.

1

European Commission’s database on women and men in decision-making in 2013

SPECIAL

HEROIC SELF-SACRIFICE
In spite of the changes that have occurred with the increase of
women’s participation in the labour market, women continue
to bear most of the responsibilities for the home; the care
for children and other household members. Worldwide, it
appears that women spend at least twice as much time as
men on unpaid domestic work. ‘Many women do not put
themselves first,’ says Bevelander. ‘I believe that the heroic
self-sacrifice, made when women with valid professional
career aspirations stay at home because society suggests
they are not good mothers for working, is questionable –
for the women themselves, for their families and for our
broader societies. Such sacrifices aren’t expected of fathers.’

‘Research shows that companies with

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, 3 JUNE 2014
Do you know which unique advantages women can add

women on boards tend to do better both

to business? Dr Dianne Bevelander will lead a thought-

financially and in terms of corporate

leadership as part of the RSM Erasmus Business Series in

governance. Women are equal to

provoking and highly interactive seminar about women in
Amsterdam Zuidas.

men, and this should be reflected in

SEMINAR Gender-balanced leadership: creating value

organisation hierarchies.’

LOCATION Boekel De Nerée (in Viñoly Building)

DATE Tuesday 3 June, 16:00-18:00

For more information visit: www.rsm.nl/ebs

MAKING CHANGES
Talented women should know they have choices,

RSM AMSTERDAM OFFICE

Bevelander concludes. ‘They shouldn’t allow external

Viñoly Building, 1st floor

pressures to make them feel guilty because of a legitimate

Claude Debussylaan 46

desire to pursue a professional career. And they should not

1082 MD Amsterdam, The Netherlands

allow society to suggest they cannot be wonderful mothers

www.rsm.nl/amsterdam

and role models for their children.’ Men and women need to
be aware of their own behaviours, and of existing structures
and biases in society that are impeding women from reaching
the top. As Bevelander suggests, ‘business is missing out
on a lot of talent and diversity. We have to make changes.
When there is significant diversity and equity at an
organisation’s top level, everyone wins.’

short but intense workout under the guidance of
your personal trainer. The exercises are intense,

‘QUALITY NOT QUANTITY’

but performed in a controlled motion, in a studio

David Lenahan: ’We value quality over quantity.

where the temperature is around 17 degrees.

Traditional company fitness programs take up

This prevents sweating, so showering and

too much time, interrupt the workflow and

changing clothes afterwards isn’t necessary.

rely on employee self-discipline, resulting in

In less than half an hour you’ll be ready for your

an average participation rate of just 13%.

next business meeting.

Despite its intensity, fit20 is accessible to

FOR MORE
INFORMATION OR
TO BOOK YOUR
COMPLIMENTARY
TRAINING SESSION:
FIT20 AMSTERDAM
ZUIDAS

employees from all fitness levels. With fit20,

World Trade Center,

‘TIME IS PRECIOUS’

employers will experience higher participation

Tower A, 5th floor

Employers and employees form an important

rates, resulting in a reduction of absenteeism

Phone:

fit20 target group. Several Zuidas companies

and an increase in productivity. Fit20 in the

(020) 820 36 77

like Michael Page, Reachlocal and The Changery

WTC has proven successful and now we

Zuidas@fit20.nl

are already experiencing the benefits of the fit20

want to expand, so we may take on clients

www.fit20zuidas.nl

company fitness program. Mariette de Bruin,

from the entire Zuidas!’

48.

Memo board
TARGETED SEARCH FOR LAW FIRMS,
EXCLUSIVELY FOR BUSINESSES
You’re looking for a good lawyer to handle a specific type of case. TopAdvocaten.nl is a new site
where businesses can select lawyers by case type. It retrieves a list of suitable law firms that can be
refined by using relevant filters, thus making it easier to scope out the legal playing field. Initiator
Michiel van Straaten explains, ‘Ours is the only platform that makes it possible to select firms in an
efficient way. Plus, the site only includes firms that are primarily focused on the business market’.
For further information, visit: TopAdvocaten.nl.

AGED 30 OR UNDER? CONSIDER JOINING YIP ZUIDAS!
In April, YIP Zuidas organized its second drinks reception at Restaurant NINE. YIP stands for
Young Interested People aged up to and including 30. YIP Zuidas is now established as a
foundation in which employees and businesses can get involved. The programme for June
features a fun and informal barbecue at Zuidas! Interested to learn more about YIP Zuidas?
Send an email to: info@yipzuidas.nl.

THE DUTCH & THEIR BIKES
What is it like to live in a country where cycling is a way of life, and just why do the Dutch cycle so
much? American photographer, author and long-time resident of the Netherlands Shirley Agudo
shows us in her fascinating new collection of almost 700 images, titled The Dutch & their Bikes:
Scenes from a Nation of Cyclists, presenting an inspiring visual testament to the incomparable
Dutch bicycle culture. Available from booksellers, www.hollandbooks.nl and Amazon.

MIJNGELDZAKEN.NL BREAKS OPEN
FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY MARKET
In March, Zuidas saw ordinary citizens square off against the banking establishment in a
fierce tug of war, in which citizens grabbed the opportunity to claim their right to honest and
independent advice. The competition was an initiative of a new platform: MijnGeldzaken.nl.
This revolutionary website gives consumers all the information they need to gain a full and
detailed picture into money matters.

WIN PRIZES IN RESTAURANT NINE’S GIVEAWAY!
To celebrate its first year in Zuidas, NINE is giving away fantastic prizes! A great location for
lunch or dinner, NINE can also organize fun cooking workshops for you and your friends or
colleagues. All you need to do is like NINE on Facebook (www.facebook.com/restaurantnine),
share this campaign and you’ll be in the running for one of the following prizes: 1st prize: cooking
workshop of your choice for 10 people, 2nd prize: Friday afternoon drinks for 10 people, 3rd prize:
a bottle of fine champagne. The winners will be announced on Monday, 2 June.

MASTERS IN ZUIDAS
Is your organization looking for the latest academic knowledge and a fresh perspective?
UniPartners Amsterdam is a non-profit academic consultancy based in Zuidas and specialized in
connecting Master’s students with organizations. Working on a project basis and at a reasonable price,
UniPartners solves organizational challenges for various industries. Facing a challenge in your
organization and interested to learn about the advantages of working with students?
Visit the website: www.unipartners.nl/amsterdam.

E-mail your memo’s to hellozuidas@asega.nl.

49.

HELLO ZUIDAS WELCOMES THE
FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS
Company: Bouwens Groep

Sector: Facilities services

Number of employees: 120
Link with Zuidas: We provide facilities management and facilities services, including receptionist
services, security, cleaning and driver services. A growing number of companies in Zuidas
contract us to take care of facilities at their offices. Bouwens Groep is relocating from Rokin to
IJsbaanpad to be closer to our clients. The company will occupy premises in the quieter part of
Zuidas adjoining the Olympic Stadium.
Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas participant: We want to make a real contribution to the
development and preservation of Zuidas as a pleasant and safe environment to live and work in.
With our expertise in facilities management, Bouwens Group hopes to make an active contribution
both to the management group for facilities managers and construction managers and to the safety
platform for security managers.
Company: Ingeborg Douwes Centrum

Sector: Healthcare

Number of employees: 5
Link with Zuidas: We’re located in Zuidas, on IJsbaanpad.
Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas participant: We want to stay better informed about
current issues in Zuidas and, at the same time, get acquainted and start working with other
companies based here. Ultimately, we want to build up our network in this area.
Company: Partou Kinderopvang

Sector: Childcare

Number of employees: 15
Link with Zuidas: We’re located in tower D at the WTC Amsterdam.
Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas participant: We’re eager to promote our business in the area
and show our commitment. Hello Zuidas offers a great medium for demonstrating that commitment.
Company: Caffè Belmondo

Sector: Catering

Number of employees: 6
Link with Zuidas: In March, Caffè Belmondo celebrated six wonderful years at the heart of Zuidas,
at the base of the WTC. And this year we’ll be opening a second cafe in Zuidas, in the UNStudio Tower.
Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas participant: We feel at home here. If there are any
important issues affecting Zuidas, naturally we want to be among the first to know, and Hello
Zuidas can make sure that we will be.
Company: Buisness4Bees

Sector: Non-profit

Number of employees: fewer than 10
Link with Zuidas: Several Zuidas-based businesses have contacted us to sponsor one or
more of our beehives.
Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas participant: Our goal is to set up four to eight B4B
beehives in Zuidas. We also hope to forge links with other companies here in order to help
combat the current high levels of bee mortality.

50.

Members Hello Zuidas – May 2014

If your company isn’t on this list, please contact servicepoint@hellozuidas.com